The UK Government will issue you with this type of visa and will allow you to take part as an unpaid volunteer in a charity organization if you are passionate about charitable work and wish to do volunteering work in the United Kingdom to give something back to society. This guide will be truly informative about the work visa for charity workers, examine what form it was created, who can apply, how to apply, and the documents you need to get ready.
Understanding the Charity Worker Visa
The category Charity Worker Visa is the latter that is under the UK Temporary Worker Visa arrangement, which is characterized by people, planning to volunteer in the UK, without any wage. This visa substitutes the former Tier 5 Charity Worker Visa and authorizes a character to remain in the UK for 12 months or the time specified in the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) plus 14 days for longer, depending on a shorter period.
Benefits of the Charity Worker Visa
When you hold a Charity Worker Visa, you can enjoy various privileges:
- Unpaid Charity Work: You have the opportunity to engage in unpaid charity work for your sponsor organization.
- Study: While in the UK, you can pursue educational opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
- Secondary Employment: You may also take on a second job, provided it aligns with your primary role or falls under a role listed on the Shortage Occupation List, all without the need for an additional work visa.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Charity Worker Visa, you must meet several requirements:
- Unpaid Voluntary Work: You need to be involved in unpaid voluntary work in the UK that helps achieve your sponsoring charity’s goals. This type of work shouldn’t be something that’s normally paid.
- Excluded Roles: Your charity work should not include administrative, retail, fundraising tasks, or maintaining the charity’s offices or assets.
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Certificate of Sponsorship: You need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from a charity with a UK Sponsor Licence.
- Financial Support: You must show you can support yourself during your stay in the UK, with at least £1,270 in savings readily available in your bank account.
How to Apply for the Charity Worker Visa
To apply for the Charity Worker Visa, follow these steps:
Timing:
Start your application up to 3 months before you plan to start your volunteer work in the UK.
Online Application:
Complete the application form on the official gov.uk website.
Identity Verification:
Verify your identity by scanning your passport with the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app, or attend a visa application center to provide biometric information (photograph and fingerprints).
Document Submission:
Along with your application, submit the required documents, which include:
Valid passport or another national identity document
Certificate of sponsorship reference number
Evidence of adequate financial resources (e.g., bank statements)
Tuberculosis test results, if applicable based on your country of origin.
Dependent Relatives:
If bringing family members, provide additional documents like marriage certificates or birth certificates to establish your relationships.
Document Translation:
Ensure all non-English or non-Welsh documents are professionally translated.
After submitting your application, expect a decision from the Home Office within about 3 weeks.
Document Checklist for the Charity Worker Visa
When applying for a Charity Worker Visa, it’s important to prepare a complete set of documents. Here is a checklist of the documents you will need:
- Valid Passport or National Identity Document: You must have a legally recognized travel or identity document.
- Certificate of Sponsorship Reference Number: This is provided by the sponsoring charity with a valid UK Sponsor Licence.
- Evidence of Adequate Financial Resources: Typically, this includes bank statements showing you have sufficient funds for your stay.
- Tuberculosis Test Results: Required if you are coming from a country where this test is mandatory.
- Additional Documents for Dependents: If you are bringing family members, you need documents proving your relationships, such as marriage or birth certificates.
Bringing Family Members to the UK:
As a Charity Worker Visa holder, you can bring certain family members with you:
- Spouses, Civil Partners, and Unmarried Partners
- Children Under 18
- Children Over 18 (if they are already in the UK as your dependents)
Dependent family members must apply separately and prove their relationship to you. They also need to show they have enough financial support for their stay in the UK, which requires:
- £285 for your partner
- £315 for one child
- £200 for each additional child
These documents and financial requirements help ensure that you and your family are well-prepared for your time in the UK.
In conclusion, the Charity Worker Visa offers a valuable opportunity for individuals seeking to contribute to charitable causes through unpaid voluntary work in the UK. Understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and essential document requirements is crucial for a successful application. By following these guidelines, you can embark on your journey of making a positive impact on society with clarity and confidence.